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Member Highlight: St Monica Trust Community Befriending is expanding to North Somerset rural areas

September 20, 2018

St Monica Trust has been established in South Bristol since 2009 matching local volunteers with local people over 60 years. The Community Befriending Scheme is now expanding into Banwell, Winscombe, Sandford, Churchill and Langford.

St Monica Trust receives referrals from a wide range of professionals, family members, neighbours and self-referrals who are concerned for people 60yrs and over, who very rarely leave their home for a variety of reasons. Some have no family or friends, some might only see carers on a daily basis who are on time restraints, this can lead to people becoming lonely and isolated, with the TV sometimes becoming their main source of company.

This scheme is FREE and offers so much more than a cup of tea and chat, it is known to give the perso, “Something to get out of bed for and look forward to”. Some even say, “The volunteer is like the outside world coming through the door”.

Volunteers have also said, “For me I get a chance to put the brakes on my otherwise manic lifestyle (husband, 3 kids, dog, cat and job as a Manager in a Bank), helping me to reflect on the past week and just stop for an hour. It also helps me to put things in perspective and I’ve become a better all round listener.” The rewards are endless and allow for an enriching social benefit for both.

All of St Monica Trust’s volunteers are DBS checked and attend an induction training session before they are matched.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like to make a referral to the Community Befriending Scheme, please contact:
Karen Bennett – Community Befriending Officer0117 305 2365 or 07875 406844Karen.bennett@stmonicatrust.org.uk